In the world of alternative rock and post-hardcore, Sparta's 2002 debut album 'Wiretap Scars' stands as a cherished favourite among fans, with its impact enduring over the years.
Now, two decades after its release, the band is gearing up for a five-date tour in Australia next May to celebrate the influential work. The band's frontman Jim Ward reflects on that album, the journey of his growth as an artist and his excitement about bringing the tour down under.As we kick off the conversation, Jim's resilience and good nature is immediately apparent. Despite nursing a broken collarbone, he shares his eagerness about next year's Australian tour and cracks jokes about his new beard, which he's currently unable to shave off due to the injury.
The tour commemorates the 20th anniversary of 'Wiretap Scars', an album that filled the void left by At the Drive-In's disbandment in 2001. Ward admits that revisiting the songs was initially met with hesitation because the time around the creation of the album marked a challenging stretch in his life.
"It wasn't until I talked to fans about it that it kind of changed my mind. It dawned on me that it's not about me, it's about them and their connection to the record.
"I tried pretty hard to destroy myself during this time period. And the fact that I didn't, I'm grateful for. So I treat the tour as a victory lap. I survived. So now I get to celebrate that."
Reflecting on the significance of the anniversary, Ward shares: "It's been incredible to see the emotion. . . it's kind of like watching people relive the last 20 years of their life with people around them that they love."
For him, the album represents a cornerstone of the Sparta's journey and the enduring connection with fans. The tour is a chance to celebrate not just the music, but also the life milestones intertwined with it. The 2002 LP not only showcased Sparta's musical prowess, but also marked Ward's evolution from a guitarist and backup vocalist to a frontman.
Describing it as a "trial by fire," he acknowledges the challenges, but credits his bandmates and Jerry Finn, the album's producer, as a mentor and support system that guided him through the process. "It was definitely sink or swim," he reflects.
"The main person that I would write with in At the Drive-In was Cedric [Bixler-Zavala]. And working with a singer, I would leave empty parts or I would take his riffs and incorporate 'em, or he would take mine. I didn't really necessarily have that in [Sparta], so I got to stretch my songwriting wings a little bit more.
"In that time period, we wrote the record really fast and then I spent months trying to figure out how to sing and write lyrics and all of these things that now are just part of my daily work. But then, it was a whole new mountain to climb. . . trying to find my voice.
"And I was very grateful to the rest of the guys for being patient and understanding and kind and supportive because it was a process, and it was not easy by any means," Ward concludes.
One notable aspect of the upcoming tour is Sparta's decision to perform as a three-piece, showcasing a newfound musical freedom. While 'Wiretap Scars' was initially recorded as a four-piece, Ward shares that the modified line-up allows the songwriting to standout and better highlights the nuances and intricacies of the guitar work.
Looking ahead to the Australian tour, Ward expresses his excitement about returning to a place he holds dear. "I get along in Australia so well; it's one of my favourite places in the world," he says.
In the meantime, Ward remains focused on self-care, highlighting the importance of maintaining a healthier lifestyle on the road.
"I'm going back [on tour] as a saner and healthier person, and honestly, that all goes into the show. I feel like I play better, I sing better, I feel better, I'm in a better mood," he notes. It's a testament to his commitment to both his art and personal wellbeing.
With 62 shows already under their belt across North America and Europe this year, Sparta is back, stronger than ever, ready to captivate audiences down under in 2024. For Australian punters, the Sparta tour promises not only a celebration of the past, but also a glimpse into the continued evolution of a band that has stood the test of time.
Sparta 2024 Tour Dates
Thu 16 May - The Triffid (Brisbane)Fri 17 May - Metro Theatre (Sydney)
Sat 18 May - Croxton Bandroom (Melbourne)
Wed 22 May - The Gov (Adelaide)
Thu 23 May - Rosemount Hotel (Perth)
